Makita 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Driver Review

When looking to buy a power tool for use is a myriad of fastening applications, look no further than the Makita TD022DSE 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Driver Kit. Purpose built to bring convenience, control and comfort, this cordless drill is sheer brilliance at work. So when you you trace back the history of fastening devices -from the 15th century Middle Ages, to the progressive commercialization of the Robertson Screw of 1908, and now to the current era of the ‘pistol’ type variable speed reversible cordless drills, we can safely say we’ve seen it all. However, if you’ve never tried out this cordless innovation from Makita, then you’re yet to see the rising sun of enlightened workmanship.

Pros & Cons

It’s one thing to say that a product is the best the world has ever seen, and something else altogether if AT ALL it lives up to its billing. A cursory look at this pros and cons will show you how this balanced product is a sensible buy.

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Pros

Cons

Relatively lightweight. It weighs a meager 4.3 lbs.

Decent price. A little under $200 is a fair price for a power tool of such a high caliber.

3 year warranty.

450 RPM (revolutions per minute)

Impressive battery power. It uses lithium ion batteries, which are a leading brand famed for being long-lasting.

Low torque 200 lbs.

7.2 Volts for power is a let down considering that most power tools have power of up to 15 Volts.

Top 3 Makita Cordless Screwdriver questions with answers…

As far as life cliches go -and there are plenty of them- if you wish to know the road up the mountain, ask he who goes back and forth from it. We put a few burning questions to our experts and these are the answers they so graciously tendered.

#1. Can you care to explain what torque is and whether 200 lbs is good enough?

I was wondering if anyone would ever ask. Most people go around bragging about using such and such a power tool, but when it comes to knowing the technicalities, go dead quiet. To answer you, torque basically refers to the turning or twisting force of your driver. To be honest, 200 lbs is fair. But whilst this gives it good stability when compared to its weight, this is rather low compared to other brands which have a torque of over 400 lbs. This makes it highly unsuitable for industrial-type jobs that require drilling through hardwoods and heavy metal.

#2. Does it stop automatically when a screw has been fastened?

Unlike drivers that have torque adjustment settings, this one doesn’t.

#3. Is this an impact driver?

The fact that is has an IPM rating means that it is an impact driver. It is capable of drilling 3.8 screws through almost 2 inches of steel, which is decent.

What Do I think about This Cordless Screwdriver?

Sometimes you don’t need to test something to know if it works well. On the outside, looking in, an avid power tool fan looking at the pictures can, persuaded by the polished design, give it 5 stars without a second thought. But speaking from the point of view of a skilled artisan who has actually taken it for a litmus test, the results are pretty much neck and neck with what the technicians at Makita intended. It’s lightweight, compact and, with the pistol grip, affords a user adequate control.

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Back To Basics

Besides what has been said already, the Makita TD022DSE 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Driver comes with two standard speed settings: medium and high. It also comes with a forward and reverse switch for the winding and unwinding of screws respectively. As for the 1/4 inch Hex driver, it is the easiest and most user friendly bit replacement terminal.

A Closer Look At The Composite Features

Makita purpose built motor that delivers approx. 220 in.lbs. of maximum torque, all in a solid compact design.

Adjustable speed handle that allows you to adjust the rotational speed (450 RPM) for precision drilling.

Operated in either an upright or pistol grip position

Electric brake for maximum control.

Built-in L.E.D light.

Lock-off switch.

Convenient 1/4″ hex chuck convenient for driver bit changes.

Soft grip handle for increased comfort.

Maintenance

Like any electronic power tool, maintenance is the key to lasting durability. Failure to observe the following maintenance tips may result in your tool not working.

Tip 1

NEVER at any instance -no matter how urgent- leave your cordless screwdriver outside. Store indoors in a clean, dry area free from humidity.

Tip 2

Read the instructional manual and keep it close at hand. Every machine is made differently and, quite naturally, is maintained differently. And often solutions to even the most minor problems can be solved by referring to the instructional manual.

Tip 3

NEVER use your cordless screwdriver if you feel it’s faulty. Unpleasant sounds and smoking are tell-tale signs that you should contact the manufacturer.

Tip 4

NEVER attempt repairs if it’s still relatively new as you will immediately forfeit your warranty, and that applies even if it’s a latent defect.

Accessories

These days it’s rare for manufacturers not to add a few interesting niceties to a product. Aside from the fact that it doesn’t come with a bit set -which, by the way, can be purchased for a paltry $20- this product comes with:

* 2 lithium ion batteries
* A charging kit
* A carrier case

Recommended Use

This cordless screwdriver is a useful tool in a wide range of applications, both industrial and household. But because of it’s low power it is recommended for home use only. Otherwise electricians, computer and appliance repairmen find this handy.

What I Didn’t Like About This Product

There are a few areas that need a little tweaking. For instance, the torque is too low, a factor that becomes all the more decisive when you consider that it runs on a trifling 7.2 Volts. I also feel that the warranty should have at least been extended to instances where repairs have become necessary and carried out by technicians other than those from Makita itself.

How This Product Compares To Other Notable Brand Names

I’ve seen and used a number of power tools in my lifetime, so trust me when I say that this is a modest and respectable cordless screwdriver. Compared to popular brands like Bosch, Hitachi and Dewalt, this power tool doesn’t lag far behind too much.

Parting Words….

Perhaps not the best cordless screwdriver for commercial use in workshops and automotive industries, but it does the trick when it comes to those occasional D.I.Y home tasks. I would give it 5 stars for that alone, however, that would be a complete rigging of the outcome of an obvious ballot. Personally I’d buy it and would ABSOLUTELY love it if I received it on my birthday or as a wedding anniversary gift.

Out of all the cordless screwdriver reviews you’ve read thus far, I hope it was helpful enough to make you by the Makita TD022DSE 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Driver Kit.